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Target Keywords: “Healthy Pasta Recipes with Fresh Ricotta”, “Homemade Ricotta Cheese Pasta Sauce”
LSI Keywords: creamy ricotta pasta, oven roasted cherry tomatoes, vegetarian dinner recipes, garlic-infused pasta, low-fat Italian pasta, quick ricotta pasta dish, rustic pasta sauce

Introduction: Comfort Meets Clean Eating

Let’s be real—most of us crave pasta. It’s hearty, satisfying, and comforting. But if you’ve been trying to eat a little healthier or just want something fresh that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, traditional Alfredo or store-bought sauces might not cut it.

That’s where Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta comes in. It blends the tang of slow-roasted cherry tomatoes, the aromatic punch of garlic, and the creamy goodness of homemade ricotta to create a wholesome, soul-soothing meal. This isn’t just another pasta dish—it’s the perfect example of how “Healthy Pasta Recipes with Fresh Ricotta” can still feel indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

✅ Nutrient-Rich Yet Decadent

Thanks to fresh ricotta, you get protein without all the saturated fat. Garlic boosts immunity, while roasted tomatoes bring in antioxidants like lycopene, known for heart health benefits.

Expert Quote:
“Ricotta is an underrated source of calcium and protein. Pairing it with antioxidant-rich tomatoes makes this a win-win for nutrition.” – Sarah Keating, RD

✅ 100% Vegetarian and Family-Friendly

Perfect for meatless Mondays or hosting vegetarian guests. Even picky eaters will appreciate its creamy texture and sweet-savory balance.

✅ Homemade, Not Hassled

With only a handful of ingredients and one roasting pan, this dish is weeknight-friendly but dinner-party worthy.

How to Make Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

📝 Ingredients

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 6–7 cloves garlic (unpeeled)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
• 250g (about 9 oz) pasta of your choice (we recommend rigatoni or penne)
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
• Optional: red pepper flakes, lemon zest

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

🔪 Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes and Garlic

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking tray, toss cherry tomatoes and garlic cloves with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes until tomatoes blister and garlic becomes soft and caramelized.

🍝 Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, cook your pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.

🧄 Step 3: Make the Ricotta Sauce

Squeeze the roasted garlic out of their skins and mash with a fork. Mix the garlic into the fresh ricotta. Add 2–3 tablespoons of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Add lemon zest or chili flakes if desired.

🍽️ Step 4: Combine Everything

Toss the drained pasta with roasted tomatoes and the ricotta-garlic mixture. Use more pasta water if needed to coat the pasta evenly. Top with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil.

Tools That Make It Easier

Tool	Why You Need It	Recommended Brand
Baking Tray	For even roasting of garlic and tomatoes	Nordic Ware Natural
Garlic Peeler Tube	Quickly removes garlic skin without mess	OXO Silicone Garlic Peeler
Fine Mesh Sieve	For homemade ricotta (if making from scratch)	Cuisinart
Pasta Pot with Strainer Lid	No colander needed; preserves starchy pasta water easily	Calphalon Classic
Immersion Blender (Optional)	Smooths ricotta-garlic sauce for a creamier texture	Mueller Ultra-Stick

Nutrition at a Glance (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~390 kcal
• Protein: 17g
• Fat: 14g (mostly healthy fats from olive oil and ricotta)
• Carbs: 45g
• Fiber: 6g

Pro Tips for Best Results

🍋 Add a Splash of Lemon

A little acid brightens up the creaminess. Just a small zest or teaspoon of lemon juice works wonders.

🧀 Use Homemade Ricotta

It’s surprisingly easy to make with just milk, lemon juice, and salt. Plus, you’ll control the texture and fat content.

🌿 Don’t Skip Fresh Herbs

Basil adds freshness, but mint or parsley also work for a flavor twist.

FAQs About Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

1. How do I make fresh ricotta at home?

Heat milk and lemon juice until curds form, then strain through a cheesecloth. It’s ready in under 30 minutes!

2. Is ricotta pasta healthy?

Yes! Especially when made with fresh ricotta, roasted vegetables, and whole grain pasta. It’s a balanced meal packed with nutrients.

3. Can I store leftovers?

Absolutely. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

4. What kind of pasta works best?

Short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or penne holds the sauce well. But spaghetti or fettuccine works too.

5. Can I make it vegan?

Yes—swap out ricotta for vegan alternatives like almond-based ricotta or cashew cream.

6. Does this work for meal prep?

Definitely. Roast the tomatoes and garlic ahead of time. Boil pasta fresh and mix when ready.

7. Is garlic too overpowering in this recipe?

Not at all! Roasting mellows it out into a sweet, nutty flavor that blends perfectly with ricotta.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Pasta

If you’re tired of heavy sauces but still want comforting pasta, Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is your answer. It’s light, nutritious, and satisfying, without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.

Have you tried a ricotta pasta recipe before? Drop your favorite add-ins or questions in the comments—we’d love to hear from